Extremely rare itinerary map of Northwestern Europe in the time of Napoleon, printed on linen. It encompasses the north of the French empire, including present day Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and northern France down to Paris, as well as the confederation of the Rhine (present day Germany) to Berlin in the east, and Stuttgart in the south. The present edition of the map printed on linen is very rare, as we have only been able to trace one other copy in sales records of the past 100 years, and none in institutions.
The map shows the routes between the major cities, indicating post stations as well as the time of travel between each stop. These routes have here been coloured in red, and the rivers, canals and sea are coloured in blue.
The present map is most likely the first edition, but this is difficult to ascertain, as it is not dated. Later editions followed, as well as an English translation in 1815. On the (separate) map for the later editions (also printed on linen) the borders are adapted to the political situation of the time after 1815: the borders of the Kingdom of the Netherlands are indicated and "Royaume des Pays Bas" is added (including "et Pays-Bas" at the end of the title). On our map the Netherlands are rendered as belonging to the French Empire (after 1810), meaning it must have been printed before the other examples.
The map is slightly frayed around the edges, with some soiling/staining, mostly on the right half. Otherwise in good condition. Cf. Picarta (1 copy, later ed.); WorldCat 71396772 (2 copies, later ed.).